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Job Title: Production Manager

Job Description

The Production Manager oversees day-to-day manufacturing operations across 1st and 2nd shifts, with primary responsibility for the 1st shift. This role ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality production, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and supports plant-wide operations as the second-in-command to the Plant Manager.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe working environment and maintain full compliance with all safety regulations and procedures.
• Manage production load and scheduling to meet deadlines while consistently maintaining product quality.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste, and optimize manufacturing performance.
• Oversee labor allocation across 1st and 2nd shifts, as well as material and equipment usage, to achieve production goals in a cost-effective manner.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement within the production team, encouraging new ideas and best practices.
• Coordinate and expedite manufacturing orders throughout the facility to ensure on-time delivery and workflow efficiency.
• Plan for future production needs by forecasting capacity and resource requirements and adjusting plans accordingly.
• Motivate, coach, and develop team members to meet performance targets and contribute to a positive, collaborative work culture.
• Define, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and drive improvements.
• Collaborate closely with Production Control, Sales, Quality, and other department leaders to set priorities and communicate order status.
• Work with Production Department Leads and Engineering to troubleshoot production issues and ensure equipment is properly maintained.
• Serve as second-in-command to the Plant Manager, escalating critical issues and supporting plant-wide operational decisions.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure data integrity within the ERP manufacturing system for production reporting and traceability.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience in production planning and resource management, preferably within CNC machining and contract manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in people management, including supervising and developing production teams.
• Hands-on leadership style with strong time management and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership abilities with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and process improvement methodologies to support operational decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to drive cross-functional collaboration across sales, engineering, and production teams.
• Proficiency with ERP manufacturing systems for scheduling, reporting, and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, for reporting, analysis, and presentations.

Why Work Here?

You join a manufacturing environment that values safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration across departments. The organization supports a hands-on leadership style and encourages innovation at all levels, giving you the opportunity to shape processes and drive meaningful operational change. You work with dedicated teams across production, engineering, sales, and quality, benefiting from a culture that emphasizes professional growth, clear communication, and shared success.

Work Environment

This role operates in a manufacturing facility with oversight of both 1st and 2nd shifts, primarily working on 1st shift while coordinating activities across shifts. The environment includes CNC machining operations, production equipment, and an ERP-based system for managing orders, scheduling, and documentation. Work is performed on-site in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting that emphasizes safety, efficiency, and teamwork, with regular interaction between production, engineering, sales, and quality departments

This is a Permanent position based out of Libertyville, IL.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits package available on day 1 since a direct hire

This is a fully onsite position in Libertyville,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.